The Portuguese maritime strategies and options in Eastern Indian Ocean region 1515-1526

Abstract

This paper attempts to study Portuguese maritime history with reference to the localized strategies and concern of the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean region and examine how these factors became important for the Portugese in the domination and conquest in the east. Much of Portuguese success in the Asian water was due to their exploratory abilities and skill that they had developed as pioneer mariners and explorers. This view would serve as a corrective to the idea that Portuguese succeeded in the Indian Ocean region through outright conquests and demonstration of superior military power.